Poitiers City Hall

The building, of Renaissance inspiration, is distinguished by a U-shaped plan and a rhythmic façade flanked by side pavilions. The centre is visually accentuated by the presence of the main door, surmounted by a loggia, a clock and the campanile.

Inside, the vestibule opens onto a monumental staircase, not unlike that of the opera Garnier, which stages the visitor's ascent to the loggia. From this balcony, he can in turn see and be seen... Thus, the shape of the building has as many social meanings as its decoration. The two large paintings by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, painted in 1874, are the masterpieces of an abundant sculpted and painted decoration. They are dedicated to two episodes in the history of Poitou: the battle of Charles Martel and Saint Fortunat reading poems to Sainte Radegonde at the Abbey of Sainte Croix.

In the VIP room, a former ballroom, the stained glass window, the work of Steinheil, represents Eleanor of Aquitaine confirming the charter of the commune in 1199. The ceremonial rooms (wedding hall, village hall and former council room) are also decorated with several large paintings, mostly by renowned artists from Poitou.